2014 bmw x5 Reviews and News

Vancouver, Canada -- We're on the way from the floatplane dock in the harbor in downtown Vancouver to the craggy mountains above the city on the other side of the bay. It's the sort of light-duty adventure for which sport-utility vehicles like the 2014 BMW X5 are made, and we cross the water on Lion's Gate Bridge and head north on Canada Highway 99.

This third-generation version of the BMW X5 has visually slimmed down a bit from the previous edition, which embraced family values with a sadly swollen shape. Even better, the BMW X5's restyled interior is rich not only in appearance but also in comfort and convenience features. The BMW X5 has become a showcase of style, technology and even performance, a far more relevant expression of luxury than the usual big sedan for plutocrats. If you put a Range Rover and a Range Rover Evoque into a blender, the BMW X5 is what you'd get.

EASY DRIVER
As the X5 winds up the highway along the shore of the Horseshoe Bay, we're more aware of luxury than performance. We notice the command driving position, the slim yet supportive seats, and the new iDrive with its fixed, 10.2-inch video screen protruding from the dash and a control knob onto which you can scribe a letter with your finger and trigger a reaction. The optional Harman Kardon audio system plays full-bandwidth music files in a rich way that will make you throw away the crappy compressed MP3s from your iPod. The second-row seat has a useful 40/20/40 split, a third-row is optional, and the tailgate is power operated. Everyone can see the scenery, has a cool drink at hand that doesn't spill over the bumps in the road, and feels happy. All the other aspects of the 2014 BMW X5 -- the appearance features, the powertrain performance, and the impressive safety technology -- are just background music to this central experience.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS
At the same time, this experience can be had in a bewildering number of equipment combinations. (Ready? Take a deep breath.) The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 makes 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, while the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Then you can get the six-cylinder engine in the customary all-wheel-drive X5 xDrive35i or in the new, rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i. Plus there's a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel expected in the spring, which will make 255 hp and 413-lb-ft of torque. We found the personality of the V-8 engine to be somewhat stolid, while the diesel proved livelier, yet the eight-speed automatic really proved to be the dominant player in the powertrain.

Your choices have only just begun, however. There are four treatments for the exterior: standard trim, modern-style xLine, traditional-style Luxury Line, and zippy M Sport. There are two optional interior treatments with a monochromatic theme, Ivory and Mocha. You can move up to the optional Adaptive M suspension or the optional Dynamic Handling package. And then you've got the optional comfort seats (the rear ones slide and recline), top-class active safety features like radar cruise control and commute-speed lane-keeping assist, and an all-singing, all-dancing chorus line of electronic features.

A MILD ADVENTURE
If you like, you can get 2013 BMW X5's tires dirty, just as we did on a little loop through the woods at the Whistler Mountain ski resort. The all-wheel-drive system's electronic sensors will take care of the traction -- even the steep downhill parts that are scary -- so you'll be a hero to your kids when you show them a view of a mountain snowfield in mid-September. Of course, this 4960-lb vehicle with 8.2 inches of ground clearance and wide all-season tires is really meant only for mild roadside adventures, and you could probably go to the same places in something far less sophisticated, much as the short gravel trail to Brandywine Falls next to Hwy 99 can be walked in cocktail heels (as we've seen demonstrated by a woman of our acquaintance). The truth is, the BMW X5's all-wheel-drive magic is more likely to be appreciated on an icy paved road in winter than a two-track dirt road in late summer.

None of this comes cheaply, of course, which is one more reason why the 2014 BMW X5 is nothing like the 1991 Ford Explorer that started this whole sport-utility business. The two-wheel-drive X5 sDrive35i starts at $53,725, then you move up to the all-wheel-drive X5 xdrive35i at $56,025. Or choose the diesel-powered X5 xDrive30d at $57,525. Finally the V-8 powered X5 xDrive50i starts at $69,125. (All prices include $925 destination charge.)

But then there you are at the end of the day after a nice drive into the mountains with a little sightseeing thrown in plus a fine lunch in the out of doors, and you appreciate the 2014 BMW X5 for the miracle of mobility it is. Certainly this new BMW X5 is bit lighter and quicker on its feet, but no matter what combination of attributes you dial into this vehicle with powertrain choice or suspension calibration, it's not a sports car and it's not a dune-busting Dakar adventure vehicle. Instead, it's a useful luxury vehicle that can make light, happy work out of a trip into the countryside with friends or family, and this is what you will think of when you close the garage door at night on the 2014 BMW X5.

New For 2014

Aside from the overall redesign, 2014 sees BMW's system of "lines" -- trim packages, really -- comes to the X5 for 2014, with the Luxury Line, xLine, and M Sport. Automated parking assist is a new option, and adaptive xenon headlamps are now standard across the board.

Vehicle Summary

The BMW X5 was among the first SUVs to put an emphasis on sport. Initially powered by BMW's straight six, the X5 is now offered with a choice of turbo six-cylinder, turbo V-8, or turbo-diesel (also six-cylinder) power. The X5 is a BMW designed for the American market (but sold worldwide) and is built at BMW's factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The second-generation X5 added the option of a small third-row seat, and that continues with the arrival this year of the third-generation X5. Other than that change, the X5 has stayed remarkably true to its mission of being a mid-large SUV with uncommon sporting character.

Overview

The original sports SUV, the BMW X5 hews to the course as it enters its third generation with the 2014 model. The three main variants are familiar. The 35i returns, again powered by a 3.0-liter turbo six making 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. This year the 35i is available with sDrive, making it the first-ever rear-wheel-drive X5. Opting for rear-wheel drive saves the buyer some $2300, but it still costs some $5000 more than before (when xDrive AWD was standard). Next up is the 50i with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. For 2014, that engine adds Valvetronic, upping power by 45 hp (for a grand total of 445 hp) and torque by 30 lb-ft (for a new peak figure of 480 lb-ft). The third model is the 35d, which gets a new, more efficient diesel six that makes 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque; it's down on power slightly compared to the previous 35d but promises significantly better fuel economy. All X5 engines are paired with BMW's eight-speed automatic. Missing from the lineup (for the time being) is the ultra-high-performance X5 M, although we expect it to return.

Buyers can now select exactly how much sportiness they want their X5 to have via a sea of options. Dynamic Performance Control, Dynamic Handling Package, Dynamic Damper Control, M Sport, Adaptive M Suspension, and Active Steering variously control damper firmness, steering quickness and effort, and even torque flow from one wheel to another. No matter the options ordered, the driver also has a hand in matters by choosing among Eco Pro, comfort, sport, and sport-plus modes. The new X5 has, commendably, dropped some weight (170 pounds for the 35i, 230 pounds for the 50i), which also should aid handling.

The third-row seat continues to be optional on all X5s and is now somewhat more easily accessed, although the last row is still a place to stash only the small and limber. Adults will be happier in the now more a comfortable second row. A richly appointed interior can be had by specifying either of the two new interior design packages (ivory white or mocha), but note that leather still costs extra on the 35i and the 35d.

You'll like:

Surprising cornering

Potent performance

Usefully large cargo hold

You won't like:

Third-row seat's marginal usefulness

New, higher price

Daunting options list

Key Competitors

The recently redesigned third-generation BMW X5 gains its toughest version yet in the X5 Security Plus, which boasts all sorts of armor and reinforcements to protect its passengers from assaults and other hazards. BMW even says that this armored X5 can hold up to fire from an AK-47 assault rifle.

BMW will bring the BMW X5 eDrive Concept to the 2014 New York auto show for its North American debut, after the concept first bowed earlier this year in Frankfurt. Based on the latest BMW X5, the BMW X5 eDrive Concept adopts numerous technology and styling points from the German automaker’s Project i department.

The 2014 BMW X5 may not be one of BMW’s most performance-oriented models, but the company has released a full suite of M Performance parts that will be available for this luxury SUV. These accessories include numerous exterior upgrades, along with interior trim pieces, brake upgrades, and even a power kit that adds 20 hp to the BMW X5 xDrive 35i model.

BMW is working on two new plug-in hybrid models, and our spy shooter recently caught both examples testing on public roads. The BMW X5 SUV and the 5 Series sedan will soon spawn plug-in hybrid variants, which are seen here hiding their charging ports behind camouflage tape.

calculator

Change the values below to adjust your monthly payment. All default values are based upon national averages.

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 X5 SAV vehicles manufactured December 12, 2013, through March 10, 2014, and equipped with the Soft Close Automatic (SCA) option. The rear side door lock mechanisms may not have been manufactured to correct tolerances and when the inside door handle is pulled, the previously engaged child safety lock can disengage.

Consequences

A disengaged child safety lock would allow the rear seat occupant to pull the door handle twice and open the door while the vehicle is parked or in motion, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear side door locks and any affected door locks will be replaced, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Potential Units Affected

6,400

Notes

BMW of North America, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

AIR BAGS

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 19, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and 2014-2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35i, X5 sDrive 35i, X5 xDrive 50i, Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 28, 2013, to February 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Head Protection System (HPS) air bag may not be securely connected to the air bag inflator gas generator.

Consequences

Without a secure connection to the inflator, the HPS air bags may have insufficient inflation during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Head Protection System, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.